the pope benedict xvi would tell the cardinals and bishops, talk, open up, let it all be known. >> reporter: he agrees with victims here in milwaukee that the archdiocese has taken an especially hard line to keep abuse secrets hidden and to protect its money. representing hundreds of clergy abuse victims from around the country. >> the archdiocese of milwaukee has been particularly deceitful because they've been insulated for so long. they felt and believed they could get away with it. >> reporter: for decades, wisconsin's state law prevented most victims of sexual abuse from filing lawsuits which protected the church. when that changed, critics say the archdiocese prepared for upcoming lawsuits by moving its money. church financial records show $55 million buried here, in a cemetery trust fund. the church says the money was paid by people who bought burial plots at eight archdiocese cemeteries. a law professor says that if any money was moved to protect the abuse victims, the diocese may have broken the law. >> you can't, in anticipation of insolvency, transfer assets away from yourself fo